Negotiating child custody requires teamwork with your co-parent

When you're going through a divorce, you have to think about how you will be able to care for the children. There are many factors that will come into the situation, but each one has to be considered according to how it will impact the children. One of the most important things you can do when you're trying to determine how to handle these situations is to set a parenting plan.

Many parents go through the negotiation process to come up with these terms. In order to make this happen, you must remember that the focus has to remain on the kids. You can't use this time as a way to get back at your ex for the things they did that led to the end of the marriage.

As you're going back and forth with your ex, you'll have to work out the rules for the children. You should make sure that any you propose can't be misconstrued and that they are actually applicable. Sometimes, rules seem like a good idea until you try to implement them. You also need to make sure that all agreements are conveyed exactly as agreed upon so that there aren't any issues with interpretation later.

One term that you should include in the parenting plan is the expectation that both parents will remain respectful toward each other. This includes when you're communicating directly, but also when you're dealing with other people. There should also be a stipulation that the children aren't used as messengers.

Finally, you should set the parenting plan based on what the kids need now. Modifications as the children mature and their needs change are possible.

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